Helping people find direction,
fulfillment, and inner peace
Our Spiritual Roots
Ananda
The word “Ananda” means divine bliss, the goal of the spiritual path. It is also the name of the worldwide spiritual work based on the teachings of Paramhasna Yogananda. We, Gyandev and Diksha McCord, are a part of that work, which encompasses:
- 7 intentional communities (5 in the U.S., one in Italy, and 1 in India)
- Teaching centers and meditation groups throughout the world
- Individuals around the globe
Ananda Village
The first and largest Ananda community, Ananda Village is the headquarters of its worldwide work and one of the most successful intentional communities in the world. Founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, it is located on 750 acres in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. Ananda Village is home to about 250 people (including us), all of them disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda.
The Expanding Light
This is Ananda’s U.S. retreat center, located at Ananda Village in Northern California. This is where we do most of our teaching, along with many other experienced teachers. It is open year-round and offers a wide variety of programs in:
- Spirituality
- Health
- Meditation (including teacher training, which Diksha co-directs)
- Ananda Yoga (including teacher training, which Gyandev directs)
- Personal Retreats
- Holiday Retreats
- Work Programs
Paramhansa Yogananda
Yogananda was the first great master of yoga to make his home in the West, coming to the U.S. from India in 1920 and living here until his passing in 1952. He taught the timeless essence of spirituality, emphasizing the need for “Self-realization”: a direct inner experience of Spirit.
For this, he brought to the West the powerful tool of Kriya Yoga meditation. He also emphasized how yoga offers practical solutions to all the challenges of modern life. His Autobiography of a Yogi is one of the spiritual classics of modern times.
Swami Kriyananda
The founder of Ananda, Swami Kriyananda is a close, direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. He is also the author of 80 books on a wide variety of topics, including leadership, education, creativity, moral values, and spirituality, including:
- The Path—A Spiritual Autobiography
- The Essence of Self-Realization
- Affirmations for Self-Healing
- The Art of Supportive Leadership
- Education for Life
- Revelations of Christ
Kriyananda also has composed more than 400 musical works. His music is soothing, uplifting, and inspiring.
All of his works are available through Crystal Clarity, Publishers.